Study: Tent City residents still housed

More than 80 per cent of Toronto’s “Tent City” dwellers—94 of the original 116—have overcome homelessness thanks to rent supplements and other community supports, according to a study commissioned earlier this year by WoodGreen Community Services and funded by Human Resources and Social Development Canada, the National Homelessness Initiative.

Alternatives to Homelessness: Combining Rent Supplements and Support Services has found that two city rent supplement projects have been largely successful in providing permanent housing for individuals who have been homeless. The Emergency Homelessness Pilot Project (EHPP) housed people living in the “Tent City” squatter settlement in 2002, and the Next Steps Demonstration Project housed people who had been in the shelter system for extended periods.

Through rent supplements, private landlords are provided with a monthly payment that covers the difference between the agreed market rent and a geared-to-income rent that tenants can afford. Using rent supplements within the EHPP, housing support workers from WoodGreen Community Services assisted all 116 former “Tent City” residents in accessing housing and continue to provide ongoing support.

“Rent supplements have an immediate impact and provide a viable solution to our city’s homeless and affordable housing crisis but, singularly, rent supplements are not a quick-fix solution,” said Brian Smith, President and CEO, WoodGreen Community Services. “Once housed, it’s critical that people still have access to familiar community supports like drop-ins and food banks, as well as support workers who can help work through issues such as domestic violence, substance abuse and a range of other needs.”

Along with rent supplements, the study outlines six other recommendations to ensure the provision of affordable housing is successful, including long-term support for individuals who have been homeless for extended periods, and access to mental health services. The study also found that individuals who overcome homelessness experienced a number of other social benefits, including improved health and the increased opportunity to find employment or to return to school.